Which type of HVAC unit is right for my home in Orange County?

Although Orange County does not have high temperatures, it is still essential for residents to have the perfect HVAC unit for their homes. It is important to learn about the various types of air conditioning units available to make the right choice. Currently, they are four different types available. All come in different sizes and specifications to suit various home and business designs. They include:

Heating and air conditioning split system – having an outdoor unit having the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit containing the blower and evaporator coil.
Hybrid heat pump system – uses a heat pump together with a furnace to burn natural gas, fuel oil or propane to cool or heat your home.
Ductless mini-split system – it gives solution to spaces where the other types are not compatible.
Packaged air conditioning and heating system – containing the condenser, compressor, and evaporator all in a single unit.

Air conditioning repair in Orange County

Most homeowners in Orange County face difficulty when deciding whether to repair or replace their AC unit. The last thing anybody wants is to make a wrong decision on this type of investment – several options need to be weighed before making this decision. One of the most important is the lifespan of the conditioning unit. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, an AC unit should last for an average of 15-20 years, a heat pump for 16 years, and a furnace for 18 years. Use these guidelines to make your decision:

1. Safety concerns

The most important thing to consider is safety. If the heating system presents a kind of hazard, then it should be replaced, especially if the repair is going to be temporary and very expensive. If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, for example, it could result in carbon monoxide leaking into your home, and could potentially be fatal. Don’t take this risk. But things like faulty wiring and stuck valves may just require a simple repair.

2. Its lifespan

The next thing to consider is the age of your cooling unit. In some cases, a licensed and trained technician will write down the date of installation on the unit. If not, check the chamber door for the identification plate containing the model and serial numbers. Use these numbers to ask customer service for the manufacture date. If your unit is older than 20 years, it doesn’t necessarily mean you must replace it. The average life expectancy dates are average, meaning the unit can still work.

3. Cooling and heating effectiveness

If the cooling or heating system is faulty, it will not cool or heat your home effectively. A good sign to know if the system is flawed is when the unit is not cooling or heating the house at the temperatures you set. Older units will have this difficulty, you might notice if some rooms are colder or warmer than others.

4. Repair costs

If you are still unsure and realize your unit is under 15 years old, then it may just need a repair. There is no doubt that AC units will need some repairs in a while. But if your system regularly requires repairs, it can eventually cost you more than having a new unit installed. Other signs that indicate you need an AC repair in Orange County are: